Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed the country’s military chief, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, following widespread protests against the removal of the defense minister. The new commander is Mykhailo Drapatyi, a 43-year-old general who has been described as representing a newer generation of military leaders.
Background
The protests began after Zelensky fired defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had been a key figure in Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Fedorov had implemented innovative approaches to technology and recruitment, but had clashed with other members of the defense establishment, including Syrskyi.
Syrskyi, 60, had been born in Russia’s Vladimir region and had studied at a Moscow military school. He had been criticized for his handling of the defense of Bakhmut, which had come at a great human cost.
Drapatyi, on the other hand, had been the commander of Ukraine’s Joint Forces and had been known for his role in a viral 2014 video of him driving an armored infantry fighting vehicle through a separatist barricade in Mariupol.
Reaction
Zelensky thanked Syrskyi for his service and announced Drapatyi as his replacement. Drapatyi vowed to work responsibly and with respect for Ukraine’s troops. Fedorov congratulated Drapatyi on his appointment and thanked Syrskyi for his efforts defending Ukraine.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
